The Moth Catcher

A Vera Stanhope Mystery

By: Ann Cleeves

Narrated by: Janine Birkett

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Life seems perfect in the quiet community of Valley Farm. Then a shocking discovery shatters the silence. The owners of a big country house have employed a house sitter, a young ecologist, to look after the place while they're away. But his dead body is found by the side of the lane - a lonely place to die.

When DI Vera Stanhope arrives on the scene, she finds the body of a second man. What the two victims seem to have in common is a fascination with studying moths - and with catching these beautiful, intriguing creatures.

The others who live in Valley Farm have secrets, too: Lorraine's calm demeanor belies a more complex personality; Annie and Sam's daughter, Lizzie, is due to be released from prison; and Nigel watches silently, every day, from his window. As Vera is drawn into the claustrophobic world of this increasingly strange community, she realizes that there may be many deadly secrets trapped there.

©2015 Ann Cleeves (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

A Compelling Story

Why I Liked it: great characters, compelling plot, beautiful setting, good narrator. This could stand alone but it's one book in a first rate series.

My favorite in the series so far

I enjoy Ann Cleeves writing whether it is the Vera Stanhoe or Shetland series. This is probably my favorite book so far. Highly recommended!

Pure delight

Janine Birkett’s narration is a wonder. Gorgeous reading of a great mystery.
Completely engrossing story.

Kept me guessing up to the end.

Would you listen to The Moth Catcher again? Why?

Yes, the twists and turns in the plot were very good. When I hunt through my library at a later date for a title to listen to again, I am sure I won't be able to recall the whole plot. So it will be worth another listen.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Vera Stanhope isn't Jack Reacher, so on the edge of your seat doesn't typically describe the plot for one of Ann Cleeves/ Vera Stanhope books. But I was concerned about one of the main characters for a while.

Have you listened to any of Janine Birkett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to Charlie Hardwick's narration before Janine Birkett. Personally I liked Charlie Hardwick's narration better. I had difficulty at times distinguishing between characters during Janine Birkett's narration.

Any additional comments?

Vera Stanhope may be an acquired taste, or listen. I enjoy the series.

Always great and entertaining!

I love the main character. I find myself thinking about her in my daily activities and can’t wait to get back to the book.

Birkett reads likes it’s a Cozy Mystery

The narration really irritates in the reading of this book, Charlie Hardwick is a far superior Vera narrator. I feel like Birkett is reading with a smile on her face trying to make a murder sound cute and upbeat—just doesn’t work with Ann Cleves’ novels.
I’m trying to stay with it but it’s tough going with the audiobook. I concur with other reviewers and their criticism of the voices and how clunky the males sound.

Three Murders Connected?

The first two victims found in separate places seem to have nothing in common, but were murdered nearly at the same time and near one another. Vera can't find a connection. Then a third victim. What is going on? The first two enjoyed studying moths, the third, no. There has to be a thread trying them together, but it takes all the crime team's research and interviewing skills to find it, hidden away in the past. Another good Vera story, but not my favorite Vera reader.

Loved it except one thing

It’s Anne Cleeves so what’s not to love? Such a great story that leaves you wondering right up to the end. The “one thing” I do not like is how the narrator makes Joe’s voice sound so terribly stupid. When I think of the first season of the Vera episodes, which are also good. Not like the novels of course. That is how I will always see Joe. Wish she would change his voice.

Great story

I selected this book because I really like Ann Cleaves mysteries. This was another great murder mystery.
The narrator, Janine Burkett does a decent job with the women’s voices, but there is mulch to be desired with her men’s voices. I cannot stand hear how she speaks for Joe in this book and the previous story, Harbor Street. Please bring back one of the previous narrators for Ann Cleeves first few stories!

Awful narration

This narrator was different than the woman used in previous books in the series. Her male voices were terrible and she made them sound like bumbling idiots. That ruined the book for me.